What to Do About Manual Birth Registrations, Which Are Not Yet Online?
What to Do About Manual Birth Registrations, Which Are Not Yet Online? In Bangladesh, the digitization of birth records is a crucial part of the government’s initiative for efficient citizen services. But many people still face issues related to manual birth registrations not yet online, leaving them confused and anxious about their official identity documents.
This guide will help you understand the process, the importance of online birth registration, and what to do if your handwritten registration is not visible online. Let’s explore everything in detail.
What Is a Manual Birth Registration?
Manual birth registrations are handwritten or book-based records that were created in local union councils, municipalities, or city corporations before the digital system was introduced. These registrations were stored in office books and were never entered into the online system.
Common Features of Manual Birth Registrations:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Format | Handwritten or typed on paper |
| Issuing Authority | Local registrar office or municipal ward office |
| Registration Number | Unique, but not compatible with the online system |
| Availability Online | Not available unless manually re-entered |
Why Are Manual Registrations Not Showing Online?
Many offline birth registrations have not yet been migrated to the online birth registration database. Despite repeated plans to bring them online, the following challenges remain:
- Incomplete or inconsistent data in old records
- No digital version of the original registration
- Lack of online re-submission by the responsible office
- Conflict with duplicate registrations
Can the Same Birth Registration Number Be Used Online?
No. If your handwritten registration is found in the physical birth registration book at the issuing office, a new online entry will be created. But the original birth registration number will change.
Important to Note:
Even if your birth registration number changes, you will not face any loss or inconvenience. Your identity and previous certificate data will still be valid for all purposes.
What to Do If Your Manual Birth Registration Is Not Online?
If your birth certificate is not yet available online, follow these steps to fix the issue:
Step 1: Visit Your Registration Office
Go to the same place where your birth was originally registered. This could be your Union Parishad, Municipality, or City Corporation office. Bring along your original handwritten certificate, if available.
Step 2: Ask to Check the Physical Register Book
Request the local registrar to look for your birth record in their handwritten birth registration book. These records are still preserved in many government offices for verification purposes.
Step 3: Provide Your Manual Certificate or Identity Proof
Submit your existing handwritten birth certificate. If you don’t have it, provide any identity document (like NID, school certificate, or vaccination card) that includes your full name and date of birth.
Step 4: Verification and Online Entry by Registrar
Once the registrar finds your information in their physical record book and confirms that your birth is not already registered in the online system, they will enter your data into the online birth registration database.
Step 5: Receive a New Online Birth Registration Number
After successful online registration, you will receive a new digital birth certificate. Note that the birth registration number will change, but your personal information like name, birth date, and parents’ details will remain the same.
Will There Be Any Legal Issue If the Birth Registration Number Changes?
Absolutely not. The Birth and Death Registration Office in Bangladesh has clarified that:
- A new birth registration number will be issued for digitization purposes only
- The individual will face no legal problem regarding citizenship, passport, or NID applications
- The original birth date and parental information will remain unchanged
This is a technical correction, not a new registration.
What If the Birth Is Already Registered Elsewhere?
In some rare cases, a person’s birth may be registered in more than one place, intentionally or by mistake. In such cases:
- The registrar cannot enter the handwritten record into the online system
- You may need to cancel the duplicate using legal procedures
- Only one valid registration will remain in the national database
How Long Does It Take to Digitize a Manual Registration?
Depending on the availability of staff and office workload, it usually takes 3 to 7 working days for the registrar to verify and create a new online registration.
Why Is Online Birth Registration So Important?
Having your birth registered online is essential for many services in Bangladesh today:
| Purpose | Requirement of Online Registration |
|---|---|
| NID Card Application | ✅ Mandatory |
| Passport Issuance | ✅ Mandatory |
| School and University Admissions | ✅ Often Required |
| Employment Verification | ✅ Important |
| Visa and Immigration Services | ✅ Required |
Conclusion
If you’re dealing with a manual birth registration not yet online, there’s no reason to panic. Bangladesh’s local registration offices have a clear, citizen-friendly process to bring your data into the digital system. Although your birth registration number will change, your legal identity remains safe, and you’ll be able to use your new online certificate for all official purposes.
